Connecticut C. Names Captains, Coaches for '12

NEW LONDON, Conn.--Connecticut College head men's lacrosse coach David Cornell has announced his leadership team for the upcoming 2012 season.

Dan Corcoran enters his third season as assistant coach for the Camels. Corcoran will change sides of the ball this year to become the offensive coordinator. Michael Derrenberger, a 2010 graduate of Wittenberg University, returns to the sideline for his second season as assistant men's lacrosse coach at the College.

Cornell, the 2010 New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) and New England Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association (NEILA) Coach of the Year, has also announced his captains for the upcoming 2011 campaign.

"I've never had five captains before but I believe this is a special group of young men," Cornell said. "They all bring unique characteristics to the table that I believe will continue to bring our program into the upper echelon of Division III lacrosse. There's not a single guy within this group that is not disgusted and embarrassed with the way our 2011 season went. They are ready to lead our program back to where it belongs."

O'Donnell, a 2009 All NESCAC Selection for the Camels, has corralled 57 ground balls in the past two seasons and will continue to provide a strong, physical presence on the defensive side of the ball. He is the only returning captain from the 2010 squad.

"Mike works hard and will hold his teammates accountable," Cornell said. "The fact that his peers voted him captain for the second year in a row is a testament to the job he did for us as a junior captain last year."

Green is a talented midfielder who has accounted for 33 ground balls in the past two seasons.

"Drew has consistently been one of the hardest working players on our team since he got here," Cornell said. "He has a motor and plays tough. He will lead our younger guys by exemplary work ethic."

The 6-2, 195 pound Hillyer garnered regional and national attention as a First Team All-NESCAC defender as well as a 2011 United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association All-American. Hillyer proved to be one of the most polished defenders in the league, capable of handling the most challenging assignments.

"Clay is arguably the best player on our team and the hardest working player on our team," Cornell asserted. "He calls things the way he seems them and has the ability to have the tough conversations that a lot of guys his age are not able to have."

Rodricks collected 24 ground balls and flourished in the Camels' defensive system last year.

"I'm very proud of Nick and excited for him to receive this honor from his teammates," Cornell said. "He plays with a ton of heart and has a maturity level that is not easy to find in college students. He has the respect of everyone involved with this program."

Junior John Lyons is not afraid to take the big shot when the game is on the line and has tallied 21 goals and 20 assists for 41 points to go with 35 ground balls in his first two seasons in a Camel uniform.

"John has been a quiet leader by example over his first two years," Cornell said. "It's been evident since the graduation of a few guys that John has relished the opportunity to step up and not take a backseat to anyone. He is doing great things on and off field as well as in the classroom. I'm expecting John to have an excellent season in 2012."

The Camels will open the 2012 season Saturday, March 10 with a home game against Bowdoin College in New London, Conn.